Summary

At 0735 Eastern Daylight-saving Time on 26 October 2009, VH-OGP, a Qantas Airways Boeing 767-300, initiated a go-around manoeuvre from an approach into Sydney Airport, New South Wales. The aircraft immediately returned for a normal landing. The go-around was initiated due to the crew becoming aware that the aircraft was not properly configured for landing. Almost simultaneously, the 'Too Low Gear' automated warning activated, which indicated that the aircraft's landing gear was not extended.

The incorrect aircraft configuration was the result of several interruptions and distractions during the approach. These interruptions and distractions resulted in a breakdown in the pilots' situational awareness.

The investigation identified a number of minor safety issues in the operator's procedures and monitoring systems and Qantas Airways has advised of safety action in response.

Safety Issues

The conflicting requirements and definitions in the operator’s publications in relation to the pilot not flying role had the potential to diminish the importance of monitoring as an essential element in an aircraft’s safe operation.